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This is my day #2 on distilled water. I try to keep myself busy doing things I like to do, something that makes me happy, I surround myself with positive people. I know how it feels to fast, I know I will be tempted in my mind. My fast diary has a picture of people of Darfur for every day I go through on distilled water. God can see everything, and we in some unfortunate events ask ourselves, were is God now? God created us with so much love, maybe now he wants to see that there are beautiful souls like Mia out there doing the right thing, he wants to see that all his love he has poured into us is still there in you wonderful people who gave up on your food even for a day, just to show you are not ignorant to the suffering of the innocent people of Darfur. If you would like some encouragement and support, please look for great books like The Miracle of Fasting by Paul C. Bragg, or if you want just google the benefits if fasting. Mia is helping us to have this magical feeling that we are contributing for the humanity right now, and there is an instant reward, our body is doing
a miracle of self-healing during the time we fast. Once you inform yourself what is happening with your body, than it is all in your mind. When I feel dizzy, I do yoga, I see in my mind those burned villages being rebuilt again, unfortunate people from Mia’s video clips planting fruit trees arround their houses, I hear the sound of the water and children’s laugh. It keeps me going on with my fast.

Dear Mia, you are our Ghandi. You, like him, fast to stop violent acts. Thank you for your courage. This is the day #3 on distilled water for me. You have inspired my 19 years old daughter Nicole, and on April 30 she went through on water only, I am so proud of her. This is the hope for the better world , generation of our children. If we can not make someone sign the peace accord
right now, we can nurish our children and grandchildren to be loving human beings. In unfortunate events like Darfur there is always this urge to do something right now, and you Mia offered us a simple solution, to fast. So simple and so powerful.

I am a social and political conservative. I applaud and pray for your efforts. While these people die the world just sits back and does nothing. It is appalling. I hope your fast brings the needed attention and action these people so desperately need. They need a new government and an african or muslim UN sponsored peacekeeping force so they can start to rebuild their lives with international help. I hope the administration hears their cries through your work.

MIA I THINK IT,S BEEN 86 HRS HARD TO THINK TROWING UP BUT I DO FEEL BETTER I WIIL PRAY FOR YOUR PAIN AND ALL THE PAIN IN THIS. MY HEART AND MY SOUL IS WITH THE PEOPLE IN DARFUR .We fast in solidarity with the hungry and starving in Darfur and for lasting peace in Sudan
THANK YOU FOR OPENING MY EYES. LOVE MELANIE

Melanie Hodges has her choice of warm or cold water for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Pullman resident hasn’t touched food for more than 93 hours in what she hopes will be a 21-day hunger strike to support the people of the Darfur region of Sudan.

“I’m going through this by choice. Those people have no choice,” said the 5-foot-1, 100-pound Hodges, who is particularly concerned about children. “A hunger strike does hurt. But what I’m feeling right now is only a little part of what they’re going through.

“I want my body to feel the pain so my brain knows this injustice is not OK.”

Hodges was inspired by actress Mia Farrow’s Monday appearance on “Larry King Live,” during which she spoke about her hunger strike in protest of the ongoing conflict. Hodges went to bed that night and had vivid dreams about the rapes, murders and starvation of children and families in Darfur.

She woke up the next morning and decided she also would go without food to raise local awareness and urge people to demand Congress push for peace in Darfur.

She said the potential swine flu pandemic, layoffs at the local universities and other issues are insignificant compared to the situation in Darfur.

“I just can’t understand how we can close a blind eye,” she said. “I just want people to wake up.”

War broke out in Darfur in 2003 and more 300,000 people have reportedly died in the conflict between nomadic Arab tribes and native African peasant tribes. Thousands of people have been driven from their homes, and the Sudanese government expelled international aid agencies from the country last month.

Hodges’ husband, Alan, wasn’t surprised by her decision to fast.

He also didn’t try to talk her out of it.

“I know better than that,” he said. “She’s very quick to realize when there’s a cause that touches her heart. I certainly wasn’t surprised she’d do something that would raise awareness.

“I’m just really proud of her and wish I had the strength to latch on to a cause and feel so strongly about it as she does.”

Hodges is taking the fast slow for now. She’s pared back work at her downtown shop, Lily Bee’s Consignment, as days with no caloric intake have drained her strength and caused bad breath, headaches and concentration issues.

She’s not bothered by the effects, but she isn’t prepared to die to make a statement, either.

She’s spoken to her daughter, a nurse, and she and her husband are paying close attention to her body’s changes.

“We know what limits she can reach without causing some physical damage,” he said. “I think Melanie is a pretty intelligent women and she’s not going to do anything that would limit her future with her grandbabies.”

Hodges said she expects some people to be upset by her act and think it’s selfish, but added that she doesn’t deal well with complacency – especially from the people who are living comfortably across the world.

“We’re in the 21st century,” she said. “We can educate ourselves. The only reason people don’t is because they choose not to. … I’m sickened that we can just close our eyes to this.”
MIA MY GOAL WAS TO WAKE UP MY COUMMINTY.

Blessings to all of you with hearts of compassion.
I feel so consumed with thoughts of the people of
Darfur.
May is usually difficult because it is the month I buried my
infant daughter. Today I reflected on the fact she was buried
in a beautiful white gown, surrounded by people who loved her,
and her memory honored.
My heart breaks for every mother in Darfur watching their
babies suffer and die. I cry as I look at the photos.
I swear I don’t know how they survive the all consuming
grief they feel.
I pray for the sweet innocent people of Darfur. God work a miracle.
Make the blinding walls tumble down so all the world will SEE
and respond!

HI MIA AND ALL MY FAMILY IN DARFUR MY SMALL BODY AS GONE 100 HRS WITH OUT FOOD. ” I WHAT MY BODY TO FEEL THE PAIN SO MY BRAIN KNOWS THIS INJUSTICE IS NOT OKAY. I CAN NOT WALK WITH MY FAMILY IN DARFUR ANY LONGER IN FASTING MY BODY HAS DONE A NUMBER ON ME THE THROWING UP IS SO PAINFULWHEN YOU HAVE NO FOOD TO THROW UP AND TO THINK OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN SO MUCH MORE PAIN I WILL KEEP PRAYING AND I WILL NEVER FORGET . GOD THANK FOR OPENING MY HEART AND SOUL I FOR MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND THANK YOU MIA GOD LOVES THESE WHO LOVE.

AS YOU CAN READ FROM MY LAST POST, MY BRAIN CANNOT THINK. I CAN’T IMAGINE THE THOUGHT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES AND STARVING. All movements become painful due to atrophy of the muscles. My hopes and support is with all of you.

MIA I HAVE TO LET YOU KNOW I CRYED FOR HRS WHEN I COULD NOT GO ON ANY LONGER WITH THE FAST AND PRAY FOR GOD TO GIVE ME THE POWER AND WISDOM TO DO SOMETHING I WILL DO MY WORK ON THE WEB AND IF YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TAKE THE BATON ONE DAY I WILL. LOVE MELAIE

I can’t ask God, “Why? Why?”
Today I felt God would ask us, “Why? Why?”
Why is it so difficult to love one
another?

I love you Mia and all you kind loving people who
gather here. One heart. One mind. United grief.
My body has adjusted and I feel so much more
spiritually aware. Nothing else seems to matter
but Darfur.

Dear Mia,
You are an inspiration. God bless you for doing this and for raising awareness of the terrible situation of the refugees in Darfur. Let us hope it is the beginning of a new, greater momentum to end their suffering.
Wishing you strength,
Karen

Ms. Farrow- Thank you for inspiring me to be a better person. The fact that our government uses financial gain to determine who receives our help truely sickens me. I feel that instead of fasting in our homes where attention is given only if the media chooses to do so, we should move the fight to the front porch of the White House. How can they ignore thousands of fasting individuals camped out on their lawn. The situation is not getting any better when the government continues to send resources only to those areas where there is financial gain. Human life is human life, and we should fight for it regardless of what is to be gained.

This is the first day of the fast and so far, so good. It is hard to do the rations, especially going to school all day, so I have been nibbling on ryvita when I feel weak, but other then that just drinking tons of water. I am the only person in my high school to do the full on fast so far, and it has gathered a lot of attention and its been a great opportunity to advocate and tell people what is happening. Mia Farrow you are an inspiration, how you id this for 14 days with no food at all, I will never know. Thank you for helping call this devastation to attention.

I think fasting makes people who already care feel more passionate about the situation. However, I really doubt very much that it will raise awareness to the point that the world will suddenly take note and do the right thing. We’ve known about Darfur for a long time now. How will this help, other than to make those who are fasting feel good about themselves?

They need food. They need our money. They need hands on help. Not fasting. Fasting is a very self-centered way to feel you have done something. But do you really have to fast to know what hunger feels like? Fasting will accomplish nothing. It’s not about you. It’s about Darfur.

I sense that too many people are fasting for themselves. For the drama of it. They’ll probably take photos or videotape themselves as they get through each day. And of course exchange comments like the ones I’ve been reading. I’m sure they mean well and feel good about what they have suffered. But simply don’t understand how this is helping anyone in Darfur. Unless, suddenly, the entire world comes to the rescue of these poor, desperate people. But I don’t think that will happen because someone in Illinois didn’t eat for three days. Good luck. But I find it ironic that such a self-centered act is perceived by those doing it as somehow the ultimate sacrifice. I really wish there were a better way to get the world’s attention.

Hi,
I congratulate the many people who have undertaken the fast. I wish more can join and ask our governments to get involved. Its high time this problem is taken care of.
I finished my 34 hours of water only fast. I did not feel that bad but I did feel hungry. I am back at work. I will do it again in two weeks for 2 days and go on for 3 days subsequently.
This protest is the best NON Violent and EFFECTIVE form of protest. I wish all the people greater strength for this endeavor.
MIa Farrow and Richard Branson were my inspiration for me to join the fast.

I will fast beginning Tuesday May 19th at 7am for 3 days, water only. I will continue fasting each Wednesday indefinitely as a reminder that my inaction contributes to what I know is wrong in my heart and mind.

day 3 was yesterday..i did eat some fruits as i needed to take pills for the cold flu am having.it was really tough.i wish i will continue today but i am taking a break..i will keep praying for the people of Darfur.I imagine what they go through not having any good rations to eat..i have been through a lot since monday when i started and its okay for me because i know there is food around me but i just don’t want to eat it.i also look forward to eating after the 3 days fast but these people of Darfur don’t look up to any food, they have no expectations at all.This is so hard.The wrath of God needs to descend on these wicked people causing so much pain in the lives of innocent children.

its been 10 hours and im already feeling light headed. I know that the slight pain of hunger and minor headache is nothing compared to what life is really like for those suffering in Darfur and for those that have been on this hunger strike for days. I would love to try again tomorrow and maybe i can do it for a full day. my heart reaches out to everyone and seeing the hard work people are putting into this makes me want to try again 🙂 This is such a beautiful thing!!! I hope my commitment counts. God bless DARFUR!!!!!!!!!!!

I completed a water only fast along with 2 friends and we have commited to continue with fastung 1 day per week in order to remain mindful of the atrocities happening not only in Darfur but around the world. With hope & prayer in our hearts, we take a stand.

This morning’s Guidance: This fasting is a Gift of Love, and that is what is going to heal famine — and every error. Like the Light dismissing the darkness, Love dismisses the egregious selfishness that is what what We call ‘the world’ is all about.

Again it is what We Be that matters, and when We’re willing to Be the Presence of Love — which is Loving Our Neighbour as Ourself — then the Real Healing comes.

Since I read that about 75% of the Darfuris are Muslim, I am thinking about continuing the 5 day a week liquid fast till Ramadan starts (the 21st), and then breaking the daily fast with refugee rations, as the Darfuris may have to.

Through prayer for Middle Eastern Peace, I was led to start fasting for Ramadan to share that experience about 15 years ago. I also read the Qur’an through, each day’s Surah. I have continued to do that since, and this year, as I pray for the people of Darfur, it seems even more important to do so.

It is customary to break the fast with dates, or so I read. Can you imagine how wonderful dates would taste to them, especially the children!

Does anyone have any idea how this could be accomplished, not just for the Muslims but the Christians, and people of local Religions?

p.s. That wasn’t too clear! I meant breaking the Ramadan fast with refugee rations. And I only read the Qur’an once, straight through, which, although I was brought up Jewish and became Christian, I’ve yet to do with the Bible! I think I’ll do that now.

Dates taste so delicious after hours and hours of dry fasting. It would be wonderful for the Darfuris.

I just completed a 2-day water only fast. I started it out of principle, in solidarity and with the hope of somewhat making a difference. Even if it was just a drop in the ocean, it would be one more drop… I wasn’t prepared for the eye-opening experience and the impression going without food for 2 days made on me… I began with the thought of making a difference and by the end, IT had made a difference in me. When we often hear the news, see the images, we think we understand what they go through, but after only 2 days, I realized that we have absolutely no idea of how it feels to be in their situation. I grew up in the last few years of a dictatorship and still remember the food coupons; I’ve traveled to many places in the world with very harsh living conditions… But this 2-day fast has been an eye-opener for me. I realized how difficult it was to go about my daily life without food. And let’s be honest, it doesn’t even begin to compare with their hunger… I didn’t have to walk miles to find water; I had a refrigerator full of food within reach; I slept in my bed and had all the comforts of my home… Nevertheless, it was a very eye-opening experience…
So if you are reading this because you are considering fasting (just like I read other people’s comments before starting mine) and wonder “what kind of a difference is it going to make for people in Darfur that I go without food for a day or two?,” think of it this way instead, “what difference will it make for ME to try to understand how it feels not to eat anything for a couple of days?” The answer may surprise you… 🙂

After going off the rations and Ramadan for one day over the weekend (on a trip), I restarted both today and will continue to fast for the second half through September 21st.

It did not feel good breaking either fasts, and restarting feels good. I don’t think it’s an ego sort of feel-good, but more a calm and peaceful sense of good, that since so many people care about ‘strangers’ there is much more Love and healing in the world than we can see.

After finishing the 30 days of Ramadan with refugee rations, ending with the fast on September 21st, I have continued to fast between sunrise and sunset, drinking liquids ocasionally (unlike Ramadan which is nothing during those hours). I’m not Muslim, as I mentioned previously, and the sharing of other religions — for me — brings both Love and understanding.

I hope to be able to continue fasting in one form or another until famine is ended, period. It keeps the Darfuris and all who suffer in my heart, and it always amazes me how small a hardship it becomes. It is as if the Love comes and fills one.

I’m so glad to see some people are still fasting. I stayed with the sunrise-sunset fasting into January, then stopped for a few months, and then fasted for 40 days, starting April 10th, which was great, and am now contemplating what kind of fast to go on indefinitely until famine is over, period.

I came to say that I have almost continuously been fasting for the people of Darfur, as well as the rest of the world. Presently I am fasting, along with millions of Muslims, (I am not Muslim) again this year for Ramadan. Last year I also only ate refugee rations during Ramadan, and will be starting that again during this Ramadan.

This keeps all those suffering close in my heart, and is the least I can do.

I just finished reading on miafarrow.org and it is hard to believe the UN (which we were taught to believe was this wonderful organization of Peace) and the president and congress (which we were taught were upright people who had everyone’s welfare at heart) appear to care not at all for the suffering and genocide of the people of Darfur.

I guess I’m still not understanding the map feature. You can add the map and zoom in, but it defaults back to the world map as soon as you leave the page. Doesn’t seem like there is a purpose to the map if there is no way to save it.